© 2018 JETIR August 2018, Volume 5, Issue 8 www.jetir.

org (ISSN-2349-5162)

COMPARING AND CONTRASTING CARDINAL

FEATURES OF WINDOWS AND LINUX OPERATING
SYSTEMS
JAGDEEP SINGH
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND IT
JC DAV COLLEGE DASUYA

Abstract : Microsoft windows and Linux computers are two such operating systems, the comparison of which is much talked about issue in
the personal computer industry. Both these operating systems have their own functionalities and advantages. The differences of these will be
discussed in detail in this paper. The primary difference between Linux and Windows operating systems is that Linux kernel and other
components are free and open-source software. Linux is by far the most widely used one. Whereas Microsoft windows cater to personal
desktop use retaining an extremely large retail sales majority among operating systems. Both these operating systems differ in cost, stability
and versatility each working to improve thus providing better services.

I. INTRODUCTION
An Operating system is software that communicates with the hardware and allows other programs to run. It is comprised of system
software or the fundamental files your computer needs to boot up and function.
Common desktop OS include Windows and Linux. While each OS is different, most provide a graphical user interface that includes a
desktop and the ability to manage files and folders. Windows and Linux can be installed on standard PC hardware. The hardware you choose
affects what OS you can run.
Windows OS, formally called Microsoft Windows is a group of several graphical OS families, developed, marketed and sold by
Microsoft. Windows dominates PC‟s and comes 90% of them, rest are taken over by Linux and Mac OS. Windows offers graphical user
interface with virtual memory management and offers OS for servers and personal mobile devices in addition to PC‟s.
Linux, came into vague in mid 90‟s. Since then Linux runs most of the internet, especially the scientific breakthrough supercomputers
and world stock exchanges. Linux is one of the most reliable & secure OS available running the desktops and servers across the globe.

II. DIFFERENCES
The prior difference between Linux and Windows Operating System is that Linux is totally free of cost whereas window‟s is marketable OS and
is costly. Linux is an open source OS, where users can access the source code and can improve the code using the system. On the other hand, in
Windows users can not access source code, and it is a licensed OS.
The essential differences between Linux and Windows
1. Drivers come with mount points and not letters
Linux doesn‟t use assigned letters, instead it uses a single root file system with “/”. The Disk Analyzer shows your file system usage and layout.
Linux scales new drives in folders inside the root file system.
2. Software from the repositories
While performing a task in windows OS, Goolge is used to find a program, of course with hazards and viruses. Linux is more secure as it follows
„software repositories‟ while installing any program.
3. Login issue
Users login as system admin in windows, thus encountering viruses and malware. In Linux root administrator is used warning you of all the
viruses, thus logging in as a regular user.
4. Have no Registry
Single database configuration is used by windows with its registry. And Linux uses no registry, offering system wide configuration files in the
/abc directory. It‟s easy to back up in Linux than in Windows.
5. Free Help Available
While switching to Linux can be troublesome, but help is offered by people already using it to make it more user friendly.

The differences between Windows and Linux operating system are as follows:

Parameters Windows Linux

File Systems In windows FS are FAT, FAT32, NTFS, In Linux it is EXT2, EXT3, EXT4, JFS,
exFAT XFS, Btrfs, FAT, FAT32, NTFS
Security Till date approx 70,000 viruses are 80 to 100 viruses ascertained till date
comprehended. Costing 20$ to 400$ for none working activity.

JETIR1808820 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org 1

 anti-viruses
Cost Expensive. The price varies from 50 Free of cost. It is free of cost OS and can
dollars to 450 dollars. be distributed & downloaded for free.
Users account It offers 4 types of user accounts. It offers 3 types of user accounts.
Administrator Regular
Standard Service
Child Administrative
Guest
Directories To store files & folders drives like C: D: Hierarchical file system like a tree is
E: is used. used.
Manufactures Microsoft Linux Kernel
Easiness User Friendly Little Complicated
Installation of Applications Internet is required to install an No internet required
application
Interface GUI is irreplaceable and integral part of Linux uses KDE and GNOME
Windows OS
Source code Access A normal user can not access the source Belongs of GNU and Public License
code ensures easy access by all users
License Microsoft License offers any In Linux, the GPL allows you to modify
modification and is bound by the no. of the software and even to republish or sell
license purchases it
Flexibility Rigid system Flexible
Default file system NTFS, the default file system in It uses EXT4 unsupported by windows
windows fragments the files while avoids fragmenting and can even run
degrading the system performance NTFS file system
Platform The comprehensive approach to Security The code review by many proper and
Development Lifecycle makes it more detection of bugs makes it secure
secure
Centralized Installation of Application Running executable files help detecting Centralized location helps searching,
the software and its installation adding or removing the software
Usage Can be installed on Personal computers Can be installed on various computer
and even on mobile hardwares, mobiles, tablets, video games
consoles etc
File Name Conventions Cannot use 2 files with same name in Can have 2 files with same name in the
same folders same directory provided cases are
different
Privileges Administrator user uses all Root user is the super user and has all
administrative privileges administration privileges
Text mode interface Command shells used, with single Default shell in Linux is BASH,
command interpreter supporting multiple command
interpreters
Update Method Windows update Various
Programmed in Assembly C, C++ C

Conclusion
Both Windows & Linux are operating systems with their own differences and functionalities. Both lead to be user friendly and try to make easy
access. However, to ascertain the best amongst the two is difficult. Since both uses advanced features, suiting to then OS, thus both are useful
and advanced in their own right.

References:
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[7] "Microsoft Halloween documents leak".http://www.catb.org/~esr/halloween/halloween2.html.
[8] Dan Tsafrir, Yoav Etsion, Dror G. Feitelson. "Secretly Monopolizing the CPU Without Superuser Privileges" (PDF).
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